The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Benue State has confirmed that some hoodlums in military uniforms attacked one of the commission’s vehicles.
The Benue State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, disclosed this while addressing journalists on the preparation for the Saturday elections on Thursday.
He said the vehicle carrying non-sensitive materials to Logo was attacked.
Yilwatda said, “Recently, our vehicle which was conveying non-sensitive materials was attacked along Logo area by people in military uniforms.
“Efforts are on to stop the attacks, even as the commission has taken steps to ensure that security men participating in the elections were accredited.
“We have also put up measures to ensure that voting commence concurrently in all the 5,102 polling units across the 23 local governments of the state, while results of the polls will be transmitted electronically and in written forms.
“I want to caution everyone against vote-buying or selling, rigging or any action that can contravene the electoral laws and any sign of malpractices would be reported accordingly.
“I’m happy to inform you that about 22,000 ad hoc staff including people living with disabilities will be deployed across the 5,102 polling units for the smooth conduct of the elections.”
He added that no food vendor would be allowed close to the polling units just as he disclosed that all polling units located close to pubs restaurants and those in residential houses would be relocated to more neutral grounds to discourage intimidation of voters.
The INEC commissioner also allayed the fear of some politicians that the IDPs would be used to rig elections in the state, saying ECOWAS, European Union, among others, had taken so much interest in the IDPs voting in Benue and had all arrived to keep watch over voting.
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